THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dartmoor National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Devon, England
Horse%20Riding Guide

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park offers a rugged landscape rich with history, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities. It is renowned for its moorland, tors, and ancient archaeological sites.

National Park368,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

368,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park offers a rugged landscape rich with history, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities. It is renowned for its moorland, tors, and ancient archaeological sites.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Dartmoor National Park encompasses over 368 square miles of open moorland in Devon, England, characterized by its granite tors, valleys, and wooded areas. Established in 1951, the park presents a striking natural landscape with a mix of ecosystems, including heathlands and forested areas. Historically, Dartmoor is dotted with prehistoric stone circles, Neolithic tombs, and remnants of medieval villages, providing a fascinating window into the past. The park is a haven for hikers, offering diverse trails and picturesque landscapes that cater to various skill levels. Key landmarks include the famous granite tors, such as Haytor and Hound Tor, which offer breathtaking views. The park's diverse flora and fauna include ponies, deer, and a variety of bird species. Its natural beauty and cultural heritage attract millions of visitors annually, who engage in activities such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing, and wildlife watching.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Dartmoor National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Majestic Landscapes: Dartmoor National Park★ 8.7⌖ 2 miHiking
Dartmoor National Park

Majestic Landscapes: Dartmoor National Park

Explore Dartmoor National Park in Devon, featuring iconic granite tors and expansive moorlands. This remote location offers hiking and rock climbing. It's ideal for adventure seekers and is most enjoyable in the spring and summer.

Down Tor Stone Circle: A Mystical Gem in Dartmoor★ 6.6⌖ 4 miHistorical Exploration
Down Tor Stone Circle

Down Tor Stone Circle: A Mystical Gem in Dartmoor

Visit the ancient Down Tor Stone Circle in Dartmoor National Park, a mystical site with around 30 standing stones. Best explored during spring and fall, it's an easy hike-in spot perfect for history buffs and photographers seeking solitude and stunning moorland views.

Historical ExplorationView Details→
Scenic Coastal Trekking at South West Coast Path★ 8.7⌖ 19 miHiking
South West Coast Path

Scenic Coastal Trekking at South West Coast Path

Explore the South West Coast Path near Cornwall, offering coastal hiking with panoramic Atlantic views. Ideal from late spring to early autumn, this trail provides opportunities for wildlife watching, beachcombing, and kayaking along dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches.

Discovering the Scenic Mount in Cornwall★ 7.0⌖ 30 miHiking
Mount

Discovering the Scenic Mount in Cornwall

Explore Mount near Bodmin, Cornwall, offering serene settings with panoramic views and historic sites. Perfect for hikers, cyclists, or wildlife watchers, this quiet spot is ideal year-round, especially in spring and fall. Bring your camera for stunning vistas.

Experience the Charm of Gallery On The Square in Dorchester⌖ 65 miCultural Exploration
Gallery On The Square

Experience the Charm of Gallery On The Square in Dorchester

Explore Gallery On The Square in Dorchester, a cultural hub offering a blend of art and architecture. Enjoy walking and photography amidst neoclassical design and verdant landscapes. Ideal for cultural enthusiasts seeking tranquility in spring and fall.

Cultural ExplorationView Details→
Hiking to Glastonbury Tor: Iconic Hilltop Landmark in Somerset★ 7.7⌖ 68 miHiking
Glastonbury Tor

Hiking to Glastonbury Tor: Iconic Hilltop Landmark in Somerset

Climb Glastonbury Tor, a natural hill near Glastonbury, Somerset, with a moderate hike up stone steps to historic St. Michael’s Tower. Enjoy panoramic views, pastoral surroundings, and cultural heritage year-round, ideal for hiking, photography, and quiet reflection.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Haytor, a famous granite tor offering stunning panoramic views✦ Spotting the iconic Dartmoor Ponies roaming freely✦ Exploring the archaeological site of Grimspound, a Bronze Age settlement✦ Enjoying a trek to the secluded Wistman's Wood, a rare upland oakwood
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Dartmoor National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Dartmoor National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access to the park, but some car parks may charge fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Dartmoor National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Lydford Caravan and Camping Park

Located near Lydford Gorge, offers facilities like showers and toilets.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Dartmoor National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Princetown
⌖ 2.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Princetown, Devon

A rugged moorland village at the heart of Dartmoor National Park, offering wide open spaces, historic trails, and challenging outdoor adventures.

Late Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Princetown
⌖ 2.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Princetown, England

A rugged moorland town offering raw Dartmoor wilderness, dramatic granite tors, and rich outdoor challenges for intrepid walkers, cyclists, and paddlers.

Late Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Yelverton
⌖ 7.83 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Yelverton, Devon

A charming gateway to Dartmoor with abundant opportunities for exploration, hiking, and historical discovery in the rugged landscape of Devon.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Buckfastleigh
⌖ 8.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Buckfastleigh, Devon

A charming rural market town offering access to lush river valleys, wooded trails, and historic sites, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor explorers.

Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Dartmoor
⌖ 8.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dartmoor, Devon

A rugged, open moorland offering a mix of wild landscapes, ancient history, and diverse outdoor adventures in the heart of southwest England.

Late Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Belstone
⌖ 12.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Belstone, Devon

A tranquil, historic village gateway to wild moorland and rugged landscapes, perfect for hikers and nature seekers craving raw Dartmoor adventure.

Late Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Dartmoor National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.